What the MY2026 790 Duke Is—and What May Arrive Soon

The KTM 790 Duke sitting in dealerships in spring 2026 is technically identical to the generation relaunched in 2023: the same LC8c engine, the same WP suspension, the same J.Juan brakes, and the same 5-inch TFT. KTM has carried the model into 2026 without changes. At the same time, research shows that Motorrad Magazin spotted a prototype of a revised 790 Duke in December 2025, with a new front end, new exhaust, revised rear shock, and new brakes that apparently are no longer supplied by J.Juan. When that version will be unveiled is unknown. Buy now and you are buying the proven generation that has run unchanged since 2023.

Does the 790 Duke still work? Absolutely, and for good reason. At 175 kg dry, it is the lightest parallel-twin naked bike in its price class. It revs willingly, steers precisely, and offers an electronics package that can fairly be described as complete at this price. The Scalpel concept still works.

Engine: 95 hp, 87 Nm, Restrictable to 48 hp for A2—Strong Down Low, Clean Up Top

The 799 cc LC8c parallel twin produces 95 hp and 87 Nm in European specification. It can be restricted to 48 hp for an A2 license, making the 790 Duke one of the few middleweight motorcycles that offers a direct upgrade path from A2 to a full A license without changing bikes. Its character is straightforward: strong drive from low rpm, direct throttle response thanks to Ride-by-Wire, and clean, predictable power delivery. This is not an engine that demands extreme revs. It is a twin that works across the entire rev range.

Quickshifter+ has been standard since MY2023, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts. On the first generation it cost extra. The engine is Euro 5 compliant, liquid-cooled with a water-oil heat exchanger, and uses pressure lubrication with two oil pumps. KTM quotes 4.4 L/100 km, giving a calculated range of more than 300 km from the 14-liter tank. Service intervals are 15,000 km. For supply chain transparency, it should be noted that production takes place at CFMOTO in China, just like the 790 Adventure.

Suspension: 43 mm WP APEX Split Fork, Progressive Fork Springs, Gas-Pressure Shock—Agile and Direct, Not Soft

The 43 mm WP APEX USD fork uses split-function technology: the left fork leg handles compression damping only, while the right handles rebound. This simplifies the internal architecture and provides clean, independent feedback from both damping functions. Progressive fork springs are also used: softer in the initial part of the stroke for sensitive response over small imperfections, then progressively firmer deeper in the travel to resist bottoming under hard braking or abrupt load changes. The fork itself is not externally adjustable, which is normal at this price level and unnecessary for most riders.

At the rear, the WP APEX gas-pressure shock uses a progressive spring and adjustable preload. It is mounted directly to the swingarm without linkage, reducing complexity and parts count—and therefore cost. The cast swingarm is optimized for rigidity and stability. Braking is handled by twin 300 mm front discs with radially mounted four-piston J.Juan fixed calipers. They are not Brembos, but they are powerful enough and easy to modulate. A single disc with a one-piston caliper works at the rear. Lightweight aluminum wheels are produced by low-pressure casting, reducing unsprung rotating mass and contributing to the bike’s agility. Standard tires are Maxxis Supermaxx ST in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear sizes.

Electronics and Ergonomics: Full Equipment for the Segment, 825 mm Seat Height, 5-Inch TFT With Navigation

Three riding modes—Rain, Street, and Sport—are standard, with Track mode optional. Cornering ABS includes a Supermoto setting that allows rear-wheel ABS to be disabled. Lean-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and Quickshifter+ are standard. The 5-inch laminated-glass TFT adapts to ambient light and, with the optional KTM Connect Box, supports navigation, audio, and phone functions. USB-C is standard and lighting is full LED. For the price, the equipment package is complete and more sophisticated than usual.

Seat height is 825 mm, which is relatively tall for a middleweight naked bike. Shorter riders—below roughly 1.75 meters—may reach the ground with one foot or on tiptoe. A lower seat is available through KTM PowerParts. The cockpit is sporty-upright, and the bike is not designed around long-distance passenger use. Conceptually, the 790 Duke is a solo sport machine. Dry weight is 175 kg and ready-to-ride weight 187 kg, making it the lightweight of the class.

Handling: Agile, Direct, Communicative—the Scalpel Concept Works on Backroads and Short Circuits

“The Scalpel” is more than a marketing line. At 187 kg with a trellis frame, the 790 Duke reacts quickly to handlebar inputs, turns in precisely, and holds its line. The WP suspension communicates clearly, sending information about surface imperfections and changes in grip directly to the rider. This is not a comfort-oriented tourer. It is a motorcycle that engages the rider. On backroads and in the city, that is a clear advantage. On long highway stretches, the sporty riding position becomes tiring.

In a direct price-class comparison, the Yamaha MT-07 costs EUR 8,524, makes 75 hp, weighs 193 kg, and has a more relaxed character. The Honda CB750 Hornet costs EUR 8,689, produces 92 hp, weighs 190 kg, and is more of an all-rounder. The Kawasaki Z650 costs EUR 7,770, makes 68 hp, weighs 188 kg, and is less expensive. The 790 Duke offers the highest output and lowest weight in this group, but it also asks the highest price for the package. The competition has improved, and the Duke’s price has risen.

Cost and Outlook: EUR 9,694 Including Destination—Four-Year Warranty; Updated Model Is Coming

KTM offers up to four years of Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025, provided scheduled servicing is carried out by an authorized KTM dealer. The 15,000 km service interval keeps running costs manageable.

The prototype sighting matters for potential buyers. If you are in no hurry, it may be worth waiting for the next announcement: new brakes, revised suspension, and a new exhaust could meaningfully improve the 790 Duke. Buy now and you get a proven motorcycle that has worked well unchanged since 2023, backed by four years of warranty coverage.

Verdict

Ninety-five horsepower, 175 kg dry, a WP APEX split fork, Quickshifter+, cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, four years of warranty, and a EUR 9,694 price tag. The KTM 790 Duke remains the most agile, lightest, and electronically complete parallel-twin naked bike in the middleweight class. It costs more than its Japanese rivals, but gives you more backroad excitement in return. If you want KTM character and A2 compatibility, it still makes sense. If you can wait, the successor appears to be on the way.

 

Quick Check

+ 95 hp and 87 Nm from 799 cc—the highest output in the middleweight naked class at this weight.

+ 175 kg dry, 187 kg ready to ride: the lightest parallel-twin naked bike in the class.

+ 43 mm WP APEX USD fork with split technology: compression left, rebound right—independent feedback.

+ Progressive fork springs: sensitive initial response with greater bottoming resistance deeper in the stroke.

+ WP APEX gas-pressure rear shock: progressive spring, adjustable preload.

+ A2-compatible: restrictable to 48 hp, providing a direct upgrade path to a full A license.

+ Quickshifter+ standard from MY2023; cornering ABS; Supermoto ABS; MTC; Wheelie Control.

+ Rain, Street, and Sport modes standard; Track optional.

+ 5-inch TFT with adaptive brightness; KTM Connect optional for navigation, music, and phone.

+ 15,000 km service interval.

+ Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025.

+ 94 dB(A) stationary noise—below Tyrol’s 95 dB limit.

 

– 825 mm seat height: challenging for riders under roughly 1.75 m; lowering option available through PowerParts.

– J.Juan brakes rather than Brembo: functionally good, but not a premium brand name.

– Technically unchanged since MY2023; revised successor prototype spotted in December 2025.

– Manufactured by CFMOTO in China: transparently communicated, with no documented quality disadvantage.

– 14-liter tank: roughly 300 km range; not a long-distance motorcycle.

– Value proposition is no longer as strong against Japanese rivals as it was in earlier years.

– Warranty coverage depends on scheduled servicing at an authorized KTM dealer.

 

Technical Specifications: KTM 790 Duke (2026)

Country of Manufacture: China, CFMOTO plant; developed by KTM in Mattighofen, Austria

Engine: LC8c parallel twin, 799 cc, liquid-cooled with water-oil heat exchanger, Ride-by-Wire, Euro 5; pressure lubrication with two oil pumps

Bore / Stroke: 88 mm / 65.7 mm

Power: 70 kW / 95 hp at 7,750 rpm; restrictable to 35 kW / 48 hp for A2

Torque: 87 Nm at 7,650 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed; chain final drive; Quickshifter+ standard; multi-plate wet clutch

Riding Modes / Electronics: Rain, Street, Sport standard; Track optional; Bosch 9.1 MP cornering ABS; Supermoto ABS with rear switch-off; MTC; Wheelie Control

Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame; aluminum subframe; engine as stressed member

Fork: 43 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge USD, split technology with compression left and rebound right; progressive fork springs; not externally adjustable

Rear Shock: WP APEX gas-pressure monoshock; progressive spring; adjustable preload; direct mounting without linkage; aluminum swingarm

Front Brake: Twin 300 mm discs; radial four-piston fixed calipers by J.Juan; cornering ABS

Rear Brake: Single disc; one-piston caliper; Supermoto ABS

Wheels: Lightweight aluminum wheels, low-pressure cast; 17-inch front and rear

Tires: 120/70-17 front; 180/55-17 rear; Maxxis Supermaxx ST standard

Display: 5-inch TFT, laminated glass, ambient-light adaptive; optional KTM Connect for navigation, music, phone; USB-C

Lighting: Full LED

Weight: 187 kg ready to ride; 175 kg dry

Seat Height: 825 mm; lowering option through KTM PowerParts

Fuel Tank: 14 liters; approx. 300+ km range at 4.4 L/100 km

Service Interval: 15,000 km

Stationary Noise: 94 dB(A), below Tyrol’s 95 dB limit

License: A / A2 with 48 hp restriction

MY2026 Changes: Technically identical to MY2023–25; no documented changes

Successor: Prototype of a revised version spotted December 2025 with new brakes, rear shock, exhaust, and front end; presentation date unknown

Price in Germany: EUR 9,694 including destination

Warranty: Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025; scheduled servicing at an authorized KTM dealer required